Page 86 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

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“No, but I’ll have to touch you to see the memory of what you saw.” She arched an eyebrow. “If I have your consent, that is.”

Sighing, I stepped forward and held out my hand.

“It’ll be okay.”Riley smiled encouragingly.

A brush of the witch’s bony fingers and a slight dizziness overtook my beast. It was gone in an instant.

Morgana turned and spit on the ground. “Definitely black magic. They call that residual effect ‘power drunk.’ It’s a leftover from shared spells in a gathered group of like minds discussing harm.”

“Can you trace the spell caster?” I asked.

“All I know is that it isn’t anyone I know.” Morgana brushed off her hands as if trying to clean them from the memory. “But since it’s dark magic, I’d assume it comes from one of your enemies. Who have you angered recently?”

I glanced at Kieran.

He looked back to me.

“I don’t keep names.” I shrugged.

“Then I wish you luck in solving that riddle,” Morgana said.

“Did you plan to help us solve any riddle tonight?” I kept my tone even despite my patience wearing thin.

Riley gasped as she glared at me.“Can you not piss off the scary magic lady?”

“I like her.” Morgana smiled.

She hears us.

Shit.

“And where is the third?” Morgana peered into the night. “Ah, the royal one. Come here.”

“Me?” Willow stepped from the shadows. She’d been silently watchful this whole time and now the light from the fire cast her in a golden glow.

“We’re still not sure if she’s his fated mate,” Kieran hurried to explain.

“And where is our esteemed guardian?” The witch turned her face to the sky.

She was older than I realized if she paid tribute to the guardian. The respect for Malachy was evident in her tone.

I let my gaze drift over the younger witches. If this wasn’t the answer and they survived the coming change, would any of them remember the sacrifice my family made?

“He couldn’t make it tonight, but we’ll see in the morning.” Kieran didn’t actually believe Malachy would come.

I can’t say I blamed him, but I still had hope.

Morgana tutted and returned her attention to Willow. “Can I see your hands?”

“Go on.” Riley moved beside her, offering courage as Willow held out her arms.

Morgana clasped Willow’s hands in her hands, muttering as the flames danced higher. The other witches picked up the chant and began to sway under the moonlight.

Unease rolled from Riley to me through our bond. I stepped closer, ready to intervene at her request. Even Kieran moved toward us, spurred by Ember’s heated command.

Morgana smiled as she released Willow’s hands. “It’s good to meet you, sister.”

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